Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Speaking of Wailing Monkeys

Seems I've started a nightly routine I can't get out of. Monkey No. 1 requires a short concert of me at bedtime. And really, how can I refuse since he's the only audience that really counts. I'm sure he'll grow out of it so I'm enjoying it before he tells me to shut up. Monkey No. 2 sings to his own march right now, so this is really for me and J-dawg.

Unfortunately, by that time of day my brain is fried and it seems my repertoire for lullaby's and soothing songs that calm the beast seems to be lacking. The usual kid's stuff just bores me to death, and he doesn't always dig it anyway. So I'm trying to expand the definition of what can be used as a good night song.

Although Twinkle Twinkle still makes the cut because that's the first song he sang when he was three. We do that one together.

So, do tell, my denizens of the blogdom, what song do you like to drift off to dreamland with? Got a favorite tune in your family? I'd love to hear it. In a foreign language? No problem. Something ultra-obscure? All the better. If I get a lot of suggestions I'll learn 'em and post later which ones gain the Monkey Triple Z Seal of Approval.

I like this spanish song my teacher used to sing us. I think it's supposed to be Mary singing to Jesus. I have no idea what the name is but it goes:

"Anananita nana nanita ella nanita ella.

Mi Jesús tene sueno bendito seya bendito seya."

The whole first verse is nonsense. Then it's "My Jesus is sleepy. He is blessed. He is blessed." You can add in your child's name, which is super sweet. Of course, unless you're planning on calling your local mexican, you'll have to make up your own tune. :)

my mother's youngest brother spent a lot of time with us when he was in college in the early 80's and when he was pressed into night-time serenading service he sang the smiths' "asleep" to my brother and i. i still love that song and think about him whenever i hear it. the lyrics are downright tragic (it was the smiths), but it's such a beautiful song...

Like another person mentioned already, my favorite is "anananita nana" its actually like a realy song you can download and listen to to then sing to your kid. I sing it to my daughter every night. Its just perfectly sweet and calming